Soy Candles

A candelabra is merely a holder for candles that has two or more branching arms.  They were first used as a source of light but continue to be used ornamentally in areas that have electricity.  They are used more frequently during the winter holidays as a reminder that from their glow there will be brighter times ahead.  You can find candelabra at interior design stores, antique stores and auctions.  Sometimes people refer to decorative electric light fixtures as candelabra but this is incorrect.  Candelabra is derived from the Latin “candela”, which means candle not light-bulb.

Candelabra come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and styles.  There is a solid central column that is connected to a broad base as the support and have branching arms in a row coming out from the central column.  Often there are 2 arms on either side of the central column with spaces for 3 candles.  There are some with many more arms, quite large that are intended for use as free standing pillars of candles on the floor.  Then there are the smaller ones that are ideal for the dinner table.  They can be made from metal, glass, even clay with metal being the most common, since it is very sturdy and easy to shape.  The candles are held in cups that are affixed to the arms and central column.  A special candelabrum with many arms is known as the menorah used during the celebration of Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday.

Soy candles can form a beautiful table decoration.  Try several different heights of pillar soy candles, add some artificial foliage, use some decorative pillar holders and presto, you can make your own sort of candelabra.  You can be as creative as you want or keep it simple and plain.  Bring the spring into you home with you favorite floral scented soy candles.

Simply put, votive candle holders are designed to hold votive candles.  The holders come in an array of  sizes and shapes.  The material used to make them can be from metal, wood, stone, glass, or ceramic.  You can find them in home supply stores, from companies who deal in candles and lighting, or even make them yourself. 

A votive candle is a small round pillar candle of standard size, usually 2 inches high by one and a half inches.  They can come in other sizes and shapes also.  A votive candle is used in religious services in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.  They can be made from paraffin, beeswax, soy wax or other waxes.

Candle holders made to hold votives are designed to allow the candle to burn freely without guttering in the wind.  A classic holder is tall and cylindrical with a closed bottom, is made from glass that is clear or colored.  Since the flame is contained in the tall glass holder, making it relatively safe, you can use votives in a large display for parties.  Since a single votive doesn’t give off much light, used in large numbers you will have a nice lighting effect.  A votive candle holder can also be found shaped like a lamp, a candlestick, a candle tray, and a candelabra.  Many holders are versatile and can also hold tea-lights, and taller pillar candles.

For a truly economical and environmentally safe votive candle, try one made of natural soy wax.  Scented soy votive candles are non-toxic and clean up with just soap and water.  They produce little to no soot and burn 50% longer than paraffin wax candles.

Most candles need some type of heat resistant container to hold it in or sit upon.  A candle holder is just that, heat resistant to hold and display your candles.  Many are made out of either glass, metal or cast iron.  They can be used only for a functional stand point, that of holding the candle, thus not being very decorative or can be used to enhance your room decor and be highly decorative in nature.  They come in all sizes and shapes to fit the candles of your choice.  You can even search for your favorite colors in a candle holder.  They can hold one or even more than one candle as a candelabra.  They can sit on the table or even mount on the wall if using a wall sconce.  Some holders have patterns on the outside that project onto the wall as the candle is burning inside it. 

When using soy candles, your candle holder is easy to clean after the candle is all burnt.  When using candle holders that come with a soy wax candle inside, save that beautiful container for some other use when done.  Don’t throw that beautiful container away.  You can use it again, as soy wax is easy to clean up with just soap and water.  Be sure and maintain candle safety when burning your soy candles so that you can truly enjoy your candle experience.